Some people at the time of going to bed recite Ayat-ul-Kursi and clap 3 times. There theory is that, this secures the area as far as the sound of the clap reaches. Is this based on Hadith?

The recitation of Aayaatul Kursi is indeed virtuous and beneficial and is proven from the Ahaadith.

Ubayy ibn Ka'ab (Radhiallaahu Anhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) once asked him, 'O Abu Munzhir, do you know which Aayat from the Qur'aan that you have is the greatest?' I said, 'Allah and His messenger knows best.' Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) then asked again, I said, 'Allaahu laa ilaaha illaa huwal hayyul qayyoom . i.e. Aayatul Kursi. ' He says that then Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) hit my chest and said, 'May your knowledge benefit you O Abu Munzhir.' (Mishkaat pg.185)

In another lengthy Hadith, it is mentioned that when a person recites Aayaatul Kursi, when he goes to sleep then Allah Ta'ala appoints a protector for him and Shaytaan doesn't come close to him until the morning .' (Mishkaat)

However, the actions mentioned by you are not proven from Hadith but are rather based on experiences and prescriptions of learned scholars.

and Allah Ta'ala Knows Best

for: Mufti Ebrahim Desai
FATWA DEPT.

CHECKED AND APPROVED: Moulana Imraan Vawda